Abdullatif Kucar, a Uyghur father and vocal advocate for his community, recounts his heart-wrenching journey to reunite with his children, taken by state-run boarding schools amidst Chinese government oppression. He shares the emotional toll of separation and the stranglehold of surveillance that complicates his search. The podcast dives into the psychological scars faced by Uyghur children and highlights the broader implications of these experiences on identity and resilience. Kucar's relentless quest exemplifies a father's love against a backdrop of geopolitical strife.
Abdullatif Kuchar's relentless efforts to lobby Turkish officials underscore the complexities and emotional toll of seeking justice for his family amid political strife.
The bittersweet reunion with his children highlighted the profound impact of cultural erasure experienced during their detention and the psychological challenges they now face.
Deep dives
The Kuchar Family's Separation
The Kuchar family was severely impacted by the Chinese government's detainment of Uyghurs, leading to their separation and distress. Abdullatif Kuchar, deported to Turkey, lost contact with his wife Mariam and their two young children, Aysu and Lutfullah, as phone calls were monitored and eventually banned. Despite the unbearable distance, they initially managed to connect through occasional video chats, sharing snippets of their daily lives until the calls were abruptly curtailed by local authorities. The situation worsened when Abdullatif learned that Mariam had been arrested, and soon after, the family members looking after his children were also detained, ultimately leading to the children's disappearance.
Lobbying for Family's Return
Faced with despair in Turkey, Abdullatif Kuchar dedicated himself to lobbying Turkish officials to secure his children's return from China. He tirelessly petitioned ministers and other government representatives, sharing documents about his family’s plight and pleading for action. His emotional toll was profound; he often found himself unable to sleep, and tears became a common companion during his relentless efforts. Despite the bureaucratic hurdles, his hope never faded, and he was willing to face the uncertain risks of returning to China in hopes of finding and reuniting with his children.
Reunion and Aftermath
After two years of separation, Abdullatif was finally allowed to reunite with his children, albeit under heavy surveillance and orchestrated conditions by Chinese authorities. However, the reunion was bittersweet, as he realized that his children had forgotten their Uyghur language and were now fluent in Chinese, raising deep concerns about their cultural identity. Following their return to Turkey, the family faced the daunting challenge of healing from the traumatic experiences, with both Aysu and Lutfullah attending therapy while grappling with feelings of fear and confusion. They exhibited signs of distress, including sleep disturbances and difficulty in expressing themselves, highlighting the lasting impact of their time in state-run facilities designed to erase their heritage.
Abdullatif Kucar returns to China, determined to find his children, who have been sent to state-run "boarding schools," and his wife, who has spent two years in prison. They're among hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs arrested and detained over the years. Kucar is trying to do what is virtually impossible in China: bring his loved ones home for good. To listen to this series sponsor-free and support NPR, sign up for Embedded+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.